6.4M
The number of jobs added in the U.S. professional and business services sector since 2010.
(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The health of the professional services market typically mirrors the state of the overall economy, as many of the services exist today to help companies thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. From lawyers and accountants to engineers and designers, the professional services sector is expected to reach $6.5 trillion in 2024, an upward trend from last year, according to the Business Research Company.
Growth areas include digital transformation services, management consulting and specialized legal services – all areas that focus on helping businesses embrace technology, navigate change, and protect their intellectual property, cybersecurity and international dealings.
Engineering firms focusing on renewable energy and environmental disciplines have also seen growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable solutions for issues such as waste treatment, site remediation and pollution control technology. More traditional branches of engineering that focus on infrastructure have been challenged by the ripple effects of regulatory changes and global economic factors, though there’s a positive outlook in general.
Product Pick
Items that help save the planet, like this stainless-steel bottle (OG 17oz) that prevents 1,000 plastic bottles from entering the ocean, make great gifts for new hires, client appreciation and staff achievements.
Product Pick
Lawyers sign all legal documents with blue ink, making this Sharpie S-GEL (SGEL) with no bleed or smear technology a smart door-opener when approaching law firms in your area.
3 Distributor Tips
Lindsay Jones, owner of Rise Promotions (asi/309183) in Alberta, provides promotional goods to many companies within the professional services sector in Western Canada, with engineers and legal services making up the bulk of the business.
1 Focus on sustainable products. “Always pitch eco-friendly products first,” Jones says. “Engineers prefer environmentally thoughtful promos at job sites, career fairs – they’re constantly recruiting – and in their communities.” Partner with B Corp-certified suppliers that have extensive sustainability lines to appeal to these clients.
2 Be competitive. Lawyers want retail brand names – Nike, Adidas, Camelback, to name a few. But it’s important to be respectfully competitive when it comes to selling brands, Jones notes: “If it’s a $65 retail shirt, and you’re selling it for $80, clients can go online quickly and find out your markup. Position yourself as a trustworthy partner and use appropriate margins with retail brands.”
3 Give back, get noticed. Businesses within the professional services sector are often involved in community events as sponsors, donors or vendors. Jones suggests finding events held by your local chamber of commerce and getting your business involved as well, so you can network and share values of philanthropy and community-building.